They said it: “I’d submit this work means more than going to the Super Bowl.” — Tod Leiweke, Seahawks president

Sonics and Storm

Mission: “To support community programs that teach, encourage and motivate children, young adults and families in Washington State. The Foundation focuses on education and health and fitness initiatives and seeks to make a difference through the game of basketball.”

Hip To Be Fit: Aids physical-fitness curriculum in Seattle Public Schools, the Highline School District and Blaine Elementary — more than 38,000 kids in 2006.

Neighborhoops: Camps and clinics for more than 1,000 youth. Includes 12 community outdoor basketball courts refurbished throughout the region at the cost of $130,000 to the team. Part of that, $54,354 is listed on the foundation’s tax forms.

Read To Achieve: Reading program offered at 284 schools in Washington — more than 50,000 students.

Kids Assist: Sonics players and other donors give money to the foundation, which buys and distributes tickets for underprivileged children. Last year, this happened at 22 regular-season and two exhibition games. Listed as a $251,316 program expense on the foundation’s 2005 tax form — far and away the largest program expense. Players get a tax break. Sonics get a small — 2 percent last year — attendance boost. Kids get tickets.

They said it: “There was a kid who had a marrow transplant that didn’t take. Ken Griffey Jr. visited for an hour. He signed a jersey, he gave it to the kid, and a few weeks later, unfortunately, they called and said their son had passed. They want to know if it was OK if he was buried in the jersey Junior signed.” — Joe Chard, vice president Mariners corporate business and community relations